Legendary fashion designer and costumier Bob Mackie, also known as the “Sultan of Sequins”, has passed away at the age of 87. Best known for bold looks such as naked dresses dripping in crystals and an unapologetic use of feathers, Mackie will be remembered for his visionary approach to fashion.
News of his death was announced in a post shared on social media, which read: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today.
“He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world,” the post continued.
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Born in 1939 in Monterey Park, California, Bob Mackie was attracted to the world of fashion from a very young age. After a brief stint studying at the Chouinard Art Institute, he began his career by sketching for costume designer Frank Thompson at Paramount Studios.
He then went on to become one of the most fundamental figures in fashion history, being often referred to as the “Sultan of Sequins”, the “Rajah of Rhinestones”, and the “Guru of Glitter”. His signature use of sequins, feathers and sheer fabrics left an indelible mark in the fashion world, providing an alternative vision of disruptive elegance.
“A woman who wears my clothes is not afraid to be noticed,” he once said.
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Mackie dressed legendary celebrities such as Tina Turner, Diana Ross and Elton John. One of his most memorable creative collaborations was with Cher. Beginning in the 1960s, their relationship evolved into decades of history-making red‑carpet looks.
Mackie was behind the legendary “naked‑illusion” gown that Cher wore at the 1974 Met Gala. Speaking about his designs, Cher herself said: “Without Bob I would have been … a peacock without feathers.”
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Generations after generations of celebrities have embraced Bob Mackie’s legendary aesthetic, with some of his most famous customers including Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and Zendaya.
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Mackie also appeared as the very first guest judge in the RuPaul’s Drag Race episode ‘Drag on a Dime’, aired in 2009. He returned to the show as a guest judge in seasons 5 and 6. In 2023, Mackie was presented with the show’s inaugural Giving Us Life-time Achievement Award for his decade-long work in creating some of the most dazzling looks in pop culture history.
When accepting the award from RuPaul, Mackie said: “To all the queens around the world, don’t let anyone or anything dim your sparkle.”
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Rest in Power, Bob Mackie.
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